Portions of a security device system; methods of making and using them

ABSTRACT

A security device system including portions configured to have a combined state and a separated state. In the combined state, circuitry is configured to have an armed state and a not-armed state, and to trigger an alarm during a breach of the armed state. Depending on the embodiment, at least one of the portions, and in some embodiments more than one of the portions, participate in the armed and not-armed states. In some embodiments, the security device system includes an alarm device portion, a cradle portion, and a stratum portion.

The present patent application is a continuation of and incorporates byreference completely as if restated totally herein U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/734,361, filed May 2, 2022, pending. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/734,361 is a continuation of and incorporates byreference completely as if restated totally herein U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/345,900, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,322,005 onMay 3, 2022. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/345,900 is a 371 ofInternational Application No. PCT/US18/36797, filed Jun. 10, 2018.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Articles of manufacture, apparatuses, processes for using the articlesand apparatuses, processes for making the articles and apparatuses, andproducts produced by the process of making, along with necessaryintermediates, e.g., one or more of the portions of a security devicesystem.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The technical background includes Chinese patents CN 200963017 Y,206628044 U, 202795620 U and U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,489,808 and 9,711,032,along with PCT/US2018/029867, and PCT/US2018/12745, all of which areincorporated by reference as if fully stated herein. Yet a need existsfor an alternative to such as the foregoing.

DISCLOSURE

Portions of a security device system can address the aforesaid needand/or afford such as improved versatility, functionality, and/orsituational capability, depending on the embodiment that is employed.Relatedly, there can be processes of making and using the portionsand/or the system as a whole.

Generally, a security device system can be configured in portions, eachof the portions each having a combined state and a separated state,e.g., each portion's combined state and separated state being definedwith respect to at least one other of the portion(s). The securitydevice system can be configured so that at least one of the portionsprovides an armed state and a not armed-state. That is, in someembodiments, one of the portions has the armed state and the not-armedstate independent of the other portions, but in other embodiments, morethan one of the portions, in the combined state, participates in thearmed state and the not-armed state.

In the separated state, a portion can have utility independent ofanother portion or portions, and thus need not participate in the armedstate and the not-armed state for this utility. Similarly, in someembodiments, a combination of some, but not all, of the combined statescan have utility independent of another portion or portions, and thusneed not participate in the armed state and the not-armed state for thisutility. In some embodiments, only one of the portions provides thearmed and not-armed states, and in other embodiments, one or more of theportions participates in the armed and not-armed states.

Thus, the portions are configured for assembly into one or more combinedstates in which at least one of the portions provides the armed stateand the not-armed state, but when not in a combined state having thearmed state and the not-armed state, or when at least some of theportions are in the separate state, independent utility isafforded—i.e., at least some embodiments have multifunctional portions,depending on the embodiment of interest.

In any of such implementations, there can be a technical effect of analternative to the prior art. In some cases, there can be improvedversatility, functionality, and/or alternative or situationally-improvedcapabilities over conventional approaches, and in any case a technicaleffect even if not expressly stated as such. The disclosure hereinemploys a security device system as a way of teaching broader and otherprinciples discussed below, and thus these principles are notnecessarily limited to one embodiment or another discussed herein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Industrial applicability is representatively directed to that ofapparatuses and articles of manufacture, manufacturing the foregoing andusing them, including electrical devices, security systems, alarms,tags, consumer theft-protection apparatuses, as well as substrates (insome embodiments, tape(s)) related thereto. Industrial applicabilityincludes industries engaged in the foregoing, as well as industriesoperating in cooperation therewith, depending on the embodiment.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an indication of an embodiment of portions of a securitydevice system.

FIG. 1A is an indication of an embodiment of a cradle portion of thesecurity device system, the portion applied to an object.

FIG. 1B is an indication of an embodiment of the portion of the securitydevice system with the object absent a protective cover from the cradleportion.

FIG. 1C is an indication of an embodiment of a stratum portion of thesecurity device system.

FIG. 1D is an indication of an embodiment of the cradle portion and thestratum portion, with the object.

FIG. 1E is an indication of an embodiment of the cradle portion and thestratum portion and another stratum portion, with the object.

FIG. 1F is an indication of an embodiment of an alarm device portion ofthe security device system.

FIG. 1G is an indication of an embodiment of the cradle portion and thestratum portion and the other stratum portion and the alarm deviceportion of the security device system, with the object.

FIG. 1H is an indication of an embodiment representing a remote controlfor the security device system.

FIG. 2 is an indication of a stratum portion.

FIG. 3 is an indication of a stratum portion.

FIG. 4 is an indication of another stratum portion with the cradleportion.

FIG. 5 is an indication of a yet another stratum portion with the cradleportion.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the alarm device portion in acombined state with the cradle portion.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the bottom of the alarm device portion.

FIG. 8 is an indication of a top view of some components of the alarmdevice portion.

FIG. 9 is an indication of a logic flow diagram the security devicesystem.

FIG. 10 is an indication of a circuit diagram of the alarm deviceportion.

MODES

As mentioned above, the disclosure herein employs a security device (ortag) system as a way of teaching the broader principles relating toportions configured to have separated and combined states with respectto another portion or portions, e.g., a first portion is configured tohave a combined state and a separated state with respect to a second ofthe portions; similarly, a third of the portions, if such is included inan embodiment, is configured to have the separated state and thecombined state with respect to at least one of the first portion and thesecond portion, etc., and in some cases, the portions have separatestates from more than one of the portions. Unless otherwise mentioned orapparent from the context, referring to one portion or another as the“first portion” or the “second portion” or the “third portion” or the“fourth portion” is arbitrary and not limiting.

Conceptually, there can be a first portion configured to mate with atleast one other portion, e.g., be configured to connect or be connectedmechanically to another portion. To illustrate the concept of beingconfigured to connect or be connected mechanically to another portion,consider that a peg can be configured cylindrically to mate with acylindrical void, e.g., the right diameter and depth. A gap or openingare other examples. Additionally, or in the alternative if so desired,the first portion can be configured to interlock with at least one otherportion, e.g., to become interconnected together by the overlapping orotherwise fitting together of projections and recesses. To illustratethe concept of being interconnected together (engaged by overlapping or)by the fitting together of projections and recesses, consider that abolt can be configured to screw into a nut or pieces of a jigsaw puzzlecan be configured to have pieces that fit together due to projectionsand recesses. Yet in addition, or in the alternative if so desired, thefirst portion can be configured to lock together. To illustrate theconcept of being locked together, consider that a deadbolt can lock adoor to a door frame or a safe door can be locked to a safe with acombination lock. Still further, or in the alternative if so desired,the first portion can be configured to have an armed and an unarmedstate. To illustrate the concept of an armed and a disarmed state,consider a burglar alarm that can be turned ON to detect for anunauthorized intrusion, or turned OFF while the premises are otherwiseguarded. These can be implemented individually or in any combination,depending on the embodiment that is desired for one application oranother. Of course, the principles and devices herein are not limited toa peg in a hole, a screw, jigsaw puzzle pieces, a deadbolt lock, acombination lock, or an armed/unarmed—these are only illustrativeteachings of principles. And as indicated above, in some embodiments,forming the combined state(s) can afford functionality beyond formingthe armed and not-armed states, as elaborated below.

Now consider these concepts in an application toward the teachingexample of a security device. A first portion of the security system,say an alarm device, can be configured to mate with another portion ofthe security device, e.g., mechanically, electrically, magnetically,etc. For example, consider that the first portion can be configured tohave a plug-in or peg-like section that coincides with a cylindricalvoid-like section of another portion, say, a cradle portion. Forexample, the peg-like section can have a diameter and, if desired, adepth that fits into a cylindrical void-like section or extensions ofthe other portion. Another approach can be to have at least one tab onone portion extend into a corresponding slot on another portion. In anycase such case, the portions can be mechanically mated into a combinedstate.

If so desired, though not always necessary, these portions can beconfigured to interlock, e.g., screw together. For illustrativepurposes, after one portion is mated to another portion, the portionscan be screwed together to interlock.

And if so desired, the portions can be configured to lock together,e.g., by a pin that must be moved to unlock the portions from eachother. Note that the portions need not always first mate nor interlock,e.g., two flat surfaces can be locked together, such as by a magneticlock.

And if so desired, the portions can be configured to be in the combinedstate with a third and/or more portions. For example, a third portioncan be a stratum, such as a conductive stripe as may be located on atape. The stratum portion can be mutually structured with either or bothof the above illustrated portions mate, interlock, and/or interlock.

And any of the foregoing portion(s) can be configured with alarmcircuitry, such as that which detects a breach of an armed state, suchas by detecting for an electrical change in the circuitry, e.g.,occasioned by a broken circuit, tripped switch, etc. Indeed, if sodesired for example, when the portions are in the combined state tocooperate, alarm circuitry can be configured to span the other portions,detecting for a breach of the armed state occurring in the portions, soas to trigger an alarm during a breach of the armed state.

The manner of combining any the foregoing state can in some casesprovide additional functionality. For example, in the combined state, insome embodiments, the first portion can be combined with the secondportion so as to block access in a functional way. For example, considerportions that, when combined, block access to one of the portion'scompartment for battery replacement, thereby allowing access to thebattery compartment to be secured during the locked, interlocked, and/orarmed state.

Consider now the application of the foregoing concepts applied toportions configured to have a separated state, e.g., a state in whichone portion is separated from another portion or portions but configuredto mate, etc. into the combined state. In this separated state, theportions can be in an un-interlocked or a re-interlockableun-interlocked condition with respect to another portion or portions. Ifso desired, in this separated state, the portions can be in an unlockedor a relockable unlocked condition with respect to each other portion orportions. In some but not all embodiments, at least one of the portionscan be operationally functional on its own, yet provide additional,alternative, or optional functionality in the combined state.

Depending on the embodiment preferred for one application or another,illustrative teaching examples are provided below.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E, and 1G illustrate articles of manufacture andapparatuses as well as process steps. FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E, and 1Gillustrate an object 2, such as an object to be protected, e.g., fromconsumer or employee theft. The object 2 is illustrated as a box orpackage, but object 2 is not limited to such.

As is also illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E, and 1G, there is cradleportion 4. Cradle portion 4 is illustrated herein as a cradle, but ittoo need not be so limited. Cradle portion 4 can in some, but not all,embodiments be another type of receiver for an alarm device, stratum(tape, multiple tapes, or any combination of them, strata, etc.)

FIG. 1A illustrates the cradle portion 4 applied to the object 2, e.g.,positioned with respect to the object 2 appropriate for the embodiment.For example, cradle portion 4 can be adhered to the object 2, e.g., byan adhesive or adhesive pad (not shown in FIG. 1A), so that the cradleportion 4 can be adhered, as in this illustration, centered to a planeof the object 2 with the adhesive intermediate the cradle portion 4 andthe object 2. Mechanical connecting of the cradle portion 4 to theobject 2 is another of the approaches that can be used. Cradle portion 4is structured for a combined state with one or more of the portions,that are structured for a combined state with the cradle portion 4, asdiscussed below. In FIG. 1A, the cradle portion 4 has a cover sheet 6,but this is optional, i.e., some embodiments do not employ a cover 6.The cover sheet 6 may be useful in, say, protecting some of the cradleportion 4 during its manufacturing or otherwise prior to its employmentin a security device system. Illustratively, too, cradle portion 4 canhave a receiving area, herein exemplified with extensions 20 definingtherebetween gaps 11, cooperating with one or more other portions asdiscussed below.

FIG. 1B illustrates the cradle portion 4 with the cover 6 removed (orillustrates the case where an embodiment does not include cover 6),revealing at least one electrical conductor 8 (e.g., aluminum foil), insome embodiments revealing at least two electrical conductors 8, and inother embodiments more than two electrical conductors 8, such as thefour electrical conductors 8 depicted in FIG. 1B. The conductors 8 may,but need not always, be identical. Where more than one of electricalconductor 8 is employed, the conductors 8 may in some cases beelectrically separated conductors 8.

FIG. 1C illustrates a stratum portion 10 on a roll 12. The stratumportion 10 can, but need not always, be a tape (e.g., could be a twine,wire, paint, printing, etc., depending on the embodiment of interest).The stratum portion 10 can be configured for the combined state in thesecurity device system. For example, the stratum portion 10 can comprisea tape having an external width dimension 14, an inner width dimension16, e.g., for a stripe 18 adjacent an edge, or intermediate edges, ofthe external width dimension 14. In some embodiments, stripe 18 can havea characteristic that cooperates with the security device system, suchas a conductive characteristic. A code on the stripe 18 is anotherapproach, if the security device system employs an optic reader, etc.;at issue is cooperablitity with the security device system.

FIG. 1D illustrates the stratum portion 10 applied to the object 2 andconnecting (as illustrated) two of the electrical conductors 8.Depending on the implementation of interest, the stratum portion 10 canbe applied starting within the cradle 4 portion and ending within thecradle 4 portion, though in some embodiments, the stratum portion 10 canend shorter or can overlap itself, and/or extend beyond a singularlatitudinal wrap of the cradle portion 4. Note that in FIG. 1D, thestratum portion 10 has at least partially filled two of the gaps 11shown in comparison in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In this sense, the stratumportion 10 is mated with the cradle portion 4.

FIG. 1E illustrates an embodiment having two stratum portions 10 appliedto the object 2 and connecting (as illustrated) four of the electricalconductors 8, etc. in the same manner as discussed with regard to FIG.1D. Note that in FIGS. 1D and 1E, the cradle portion 4 and the stratumportion(s) 10 are mutually structured to enable them to form a combinedstate, as in the stratum portion(s) 10 at least partially filled two ofthe gaps 11 shown in comparison in FIGS. 1A and 1B, i.e., these portionsare mated. While it should be apparent guided by the teaching hereinthat there are many ways to mutually configure portions to form acombined state, FIGS. 1D and 1E illustrate that the stripe 18 isstructured to locate aligned with the conductors 8 while positionedthrough the gap(s).

FIG. 1F illustrates an alarm device portion 22, which includes circuitryhaving an armed state and a not-armed state. When in the armed state,the circuitry is configured to detect whether there is an electricalchange in the circuitry, e.g., occasioned by a broken circuit, trippedswitch, etc. In some embodiments, alarm device portion 22 can be a solofunctioning device (operable as an alarm device, with armed andnot-armed states devoid of other portions, yet configured for a combinedstate with one or more of the portions). Alternatively, alarm deviceportion 22 shares mutual structuring for a combined state and the armedand not-armed states, with at least one of the other portions, e.g.,cradle portion 6 and/or the stratum portion(s) 10. For example, thealarm device portion 22 can include the cradle portion 4 and/or thestratum portion(s) 10 in the circuitry, such that a disruption in anelectrical signal in the circuitry triggers an alarm.

FIG. 1G illustrates the alarm device portion 22 in a combined state withthe cradle portion 4 and two stratum portions 10. Thus, the stratumportion 10 with the alarm device portion 22 and cradle portion 4 arearranged as in a “gift wrap” or “spider wrap” formation, though ofcourse this is not required of all formations—see, e.g., FIG. 4 and FIG.5 . Note that some embodiments herein are devoid of a spool of wire(s),conventional in spider wrap systems; some embodiments are devoid of anantitheft tack or pin; and some embodiments are devoid of an antitheftlanyard. See, for comparison, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,489,808 and 9,711,032,along with PCT/US2018/029867, and PCT/US2018/12745.

In FIG. 1H, remote control 24 brings engages a not-armed state. In someembodiments, remote control 24 engages an armed state. While manyapproaches can be employed for ON/OFF/STANDBY functionality, one of themany approaches is to use a remote control 24 having a switch 26 thattriggers a broadcaster 28 signal and/or a magnet 30, such as forunlocking the alarm device portion 22 from the cradle portion 6, thestratum portion(s) 10, or both. Remote control 24 can have a cover 32 toshield the magnetic field emanated by magnet 30 and obstruct thebroadcaster signal 28, for example, to avoid unintentionaldisarming/unlocking of the alarm device portion 10. Details of variousremote controls can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,489,808 and 9,711,032,along with PCT/US2018/029867, and PCT/US2018/12745, all of which areincorporated by reference. In some embodiments, there need not be an OFFcondition. Once the armed state exists, the remote control 24 can beoperable to turn the armed state of security device system to a STANDBYmode, but such depends on the implementation of interest. In someembodiments, remote control 24 can also be operable in whole or part toturn the alarm device system ON and/or into an activated mode. Such IRremote controls as can be used in remote control 24 are used intelevision and cable box switching, and suppliers include Sharp™, LG™,Samsung™ and Comcast™, and ATT™ digital. The remote control 24illustrated in FIG. 1H accommodates battery replacement that can be thesame kind of battery that powers the alarm device portion 10, asdiscussed below. Button 26 initiates the broadcast signal, and forefficiency, the same magnetic field can also be used to unlock a lockconnecting the cradle portion 4 and the alarm device 10, if thatembodiment is desired. A dual approach to unlocking, e.g., using a codedbroadcast and a magnetic field, enables secure possession by only anindividual authorized to unlock the portions.

Turn now to FIG. 2 which illustrates one of the many ways that stratumportion 10 can be composed. The stratum portion 10 can (but need notalways) be a tape having, e.g., having five layers, as illustrated inFIG. 2 . A first layer 40 can be a thermoplastic polymer resin of thepolyester family, such as polyethylene terephthalate. A second layer 42can be a printing layer, for example, providing one or more promptmessages, a logo, both, etc. A third layer 44 can be an adhesive layer,and a fourth layer 46 can be another layer of a thermoplastic polymerresin of the polyester family, such as polyethylene terephthalate.Conductive stripe 18 can be the fifth layer. The conductive stripe 18can be a metal, such as aluminum, silver, or the like, and can be formedby a metal deposition technique such as vacuum metalizing, conductivepaint, conductive ink, a metal strip adhered to the adhesive layer 46,etc. In a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2 , third layer 44 iswider than fifth layer, conductive stripe 18, so that the adhesive ofthe third layer 44 can adhere the stratum portion 10 to object 2, e.g.,with the conductive stripe 18 intermediate the adhesive layer 44. Havingthe conductive stratum portion with a conductive stripe 18 on one sideof stratum portion 10 and an electrical insulator on an opposite side ofstratum portion 10, if so desired, allows the stratum portion 10 tooverlap without causing an electrical connection, e.g., a short. Such atape can be wound around the roll 12 in multiple layers to produce anexterior dimension that is not co-cylindrical with the roll 12. That is,the tape embodiment, having an adhesive side and an electricallyinsulating side, is wound to produce multiple layers on the roll 12. Theconductive stripe 18 on an adhesive side of the tape, running along thelength of the tape, parallel to edges of the width 14 but not as wide asthe width 14, forms a circumferentially thicker region in the adhesivetape and where the conductive stripe 18 trapped in the windings on theroll 12.

Illustratively, the external width dimension 14 of the stratum portion10 can be in the range of 15 mm±0.5 mm, say, 0.05 mm, with a thicknessin the range of 0.05 mm±0.005. The inner width dimension 16 of the fifthlayer 18 conductive stripe can be in the range of 5 mm±25 mm, with athickness in the range of 0.0055 mm±0.0002. The thickness of aluminum orsilver particles (e.g., produced in metalizing) can be in the range of0.0005 mm±0.00005 mm, and the resistance of the conductive stripe oflayer 48 can be in the range of 250 Ohm/m. Ductility of the stratumportion 10 can be in the range of with a tensile strength of the stratumportion 10 in the range of 3.5K.

As mentioned above, stratum portion 10 can be composed differently thanas mentioned with respect to FIG. 2 . For example, the stratum portion10 can be printed or painted directly on object 2. Alternatively, asexemplified in FIG. 3 , a tape embodiment can have a different number oflayers. For example, instead of the first layer 40 and the second layer42 in FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 uses a fragile paper 50. The fragile paper 50 canbe “destructible paper” (including ultra destructible paper) or a thinpoly film, and can in some cases have partial tears to dispose thefragile paper 50 to destruction upon removal from object 2. Locatedadjacent the fragile paper 50 is the third layer 44 and then the fourthlayer 46 and then the fifth layer 18. With this construction, when thestratum portion 10 is removed from an object 2, at least some of thestratum portion 10 is comparatively more readily destroyed when removed.Having the conductive stripe 18 be more readily destructible uponremoval or tampering provides another manner of protection afforded bythe security device system.

Yet another aspect of some embodiments of the stratum portion 10 is theuse of color. Color(s) can be provided by ink printing on the secondlayer 42 or embedded in plastic of another of the layers, or in/on thepaper 50, etc. Colors can be used, for example, in distinguishingdifferent types of the stratum portion 10, e.g., when issued from a tapedispenser having more than one of the types of the stratum portion 10,e.g., different widths 14 to go with different cradle portions 4 and/ordifferent alarm device portions 22. Color can also be used indistinguishing different shapes of conductive stripe 18 of the stratumportion 10 or other circuitry configurations of the stratum portion 10.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate other embodiments of the stratum portion 10,such as those with a return electrical path to one side of cradleportion 4 or with at least one preformed planar curvilinearity inconductive stripe 18. Such embodiments have utility in wrappingirregular objects 2, or partially wrapping objects 2, such as those withstructures difficult or undesirable to encircle. Tape embodiments, suchas the five-layer and the three-layer embodiments discussed above, canimplement the different conductive stripe 18 formations in FIGS. 4 and 5as well as that of FIG. 1 . Indeed, there can be any combination ofdifferent stratum portions 10, with extensions 20 of cradle portion 4accommodating the variously structured stratum portions 10. For example,embodiments with four conductors 8 can have four extensions 4 have fourgaps 11. Illustratively, the gaps 11 can correspond to the sizing of thestratum portions 10, the conductors 8 can correspond to location of theconductive stripes 18, etc. The range of these teaching examples is toconvey that many configurations are possible within the scope of theprinciples disclosed herein.

Turn now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 which illustrate further teachingapplications of these principles involving the portions. FIG. 6 and FIG.7 , like the others, are not limiting and are illustrative to teachbroader principles. In FIGS. 6 and 7 , the alarm device portion 10 canhave a top (see FIG. 6 for a perspective view; 52 in FIG. 8 ) and abottom (see FIG. 7 for a perspective view; 54 in FIG. 8 ). Like cradleportion 4, the top 52 and bottom 54 can be molded or 3D printed. Theplastic used in the molding can be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene oranother thermoplastic and amorphous polymer.

If so desired, alarm device portion 22 can have a marker 60 and thecradle portion can have a marker 62. Markers 60 and 62 indicate analignment, e.g., initial alignment, of the alarm device portion 22 andthe cradle portion 4, such as for mating them. In this position, rim 66fits within extensions 20, when the alarm device portion 22 and thecradle portion 4 are mated together. Imparting the rotational motionwith respect to the alarm device portion 22 and the cradle portion 4,rotates the marker 60 from initial alignment with the marker 62 into anunaligned location. Entrance 64 on bottom 54 allows a lip 66 to enterand engage into slot 68 via the imparted rotation, allowing the alarmdevice portion 22 and the cradle portion 4 to be in the interlockedcondition. Contrastingly, by reversing the imparted rotation, alarmdevice portion 22 and the cradle portion 4 are uninterlocked, and byseparating the mated alarm device portion 22 and the cradle portion 4,they are unmated.

While many forms of mating can be employed where desired, as illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 7 , various portions can be mated by either a male andfemale intersection or both. Illustratively, FIG. 8 depicts the alarmdevice portion 22 configured to mate with the cradle portion 4 byinserting a male section of the alarm device portion 22 into a femalesection of the cradle portion 4 and by inserting a male section on thecradle portion 4 into a female section of the alarm device portion 22.For example, the alarm device portion 22 can have at least one entrance64 (female section) to engage at least one lip 66 (male section) of thecradle portion 4. Entrance 64 and lip 66 can mate so that the portions 4and 22 can subsequently screw-interlock together via the previouslydescribed the rotational motion. Entrance 64 can allow lip 66 to beinserted into a portion of entrance 64 by a linear motion, and thenallow the rotational motion to interlock the portions 4 and 22 via aslotted region 68 that engages lip 66 in the screw-interlockedcondition.

Similarly, for example, the alarm device portion 22 can have a generallycircular rim 64 (male portion) having a diameter less than the diameterof curved or a ring-like configurations 67 on extensions 20 on thecradle portion 4, such that some of the alarm device portion 22 fitswithin the curved or ring-like configurations 67 (female portion) ofextensions 22. The ring-like configurations need not be rings, e.g., canotherwise facilitate mating by male and/or female intersecting, if thatmanner is preferred in the embodiment of interest. Additionally, pleasenote that the male/female intersecting can be carried out with eithersection providing the male structure, and the other section providingthe female structure.

The alarm device portion 22 can, if so desired, have a lip-likestructure 76 that aligns with another ring-like structure 78 of thecradle portion 4, to provide stability during the aforesaid rotation.Likewise, the ring-like structures 78 need not be rings to facilitatestability, if stability during the rotation is desired in the embodimentof interest.

Returning to FIG. 6 , if so desired in one design or another, the alarmdevice portion 22 can include counter-directional indicators ofrotational motion. For example, there can be counter directional arrows80 with or without such as a lock marker 82 and unlock marker 84,collectively indicating rotational directions for interlocking (andlocking) and un-interlocking (and unlocking) portions 4 and 22.

At the top 52, a remote control receptor 69 is configured to mate withthe remote control 24. Where a magnetic and broadcast unlocking systemis employed, receptor 68 can have a broadcast receptor location 70 forreceiving a broadcast signal from the remote control 24 and a magneticfield receptor location 72 for receiving a magnetic field from theremote control 24. More specifically, the alarm device portion 22includes a three-dimensional remote control locator 69 structured suchthat if a remote control 24 includes a mating three-dimensional locator(not shown in FIG. 7 ), then the alarm device portion 22 and the remotecontrol 24 are oriented to mate together, and if the remote control 24does not include the mating three-dimensional locator, then the alarmdevice portion 22 and the remote control 24 are disoriented from matingtogether. This feature can be implemented with, or instead of, having adistance on the alarm device portion 22 between the magnetic fieldlocator 72 and the broadcast reception locator 70, the distance matchinga distance on the remote control 24 between a magnetic 30 and abroadcast transmitter 28 (FIG. 1H). Remote control receptor 69 can beconfigured to mate with the remote control 24, and not mate withdifferently-structured remote controls. Compare with the receptor inPCT/US2018/29867, incorporated by reference. Alternatively, differentalarm devices can be structured with identical receptors so that oneremote control 24 can match more than one type of alarm device, such asthat herein and that in PCT/US2018/29867, and/or other alarm devicesincorporated by reference herein.

On one end of the alarm device 10's top 52 can be a light guide 74,which as discussed below, can indicate an armed state or otherinformation, as discussed below. On an opposite end, at the alarm device10's bottom 54 can be a replaceable battery compartment, under door 86,which is secured by screw 88. Intermediate the top 52 and bottom 54,there can be a magnetic lock pin 90 in abutment with spring 94, locatedto dispose the magnetic lock pin 90 away from top 52 so as to protrudefrom bottom 54. Cradle portion 4 has an opening 96 within a slot 98 toreceive the protruding portion of the magnetic lock pin 90, and therebylock the alarm portion 22 with the cradle portion 4. The slot 98 allowsthe aforesaid rotational motion, and can also help align the protrudingportion of the magnetic lock pin 90 with the opening 96. Openings 96align with openings 100 in adhesive pad 102. (Adhesive pad 102 orsticker can have a tabbed cover that is removed to expose an adhesiveface which can be employed to adhere the cradle portion 2 to the object2, and such an adhesive pad 103 can be obtained from 3M™.) While themagnetic lock pin 90 extends into one of the openings 96, the combinedstate with a locked condition prohibits unscrewing (un-interlocking)engagement of slotted region 65 that engages lip 66. Magnetic lock pin90 is withdrawn from the opening 96 by urging from the magnet 30 portionof remote control 24. Thusly, the magnetic lock pin 90 is extendablefrom the alarm device portion 22 into an opening 96 in (or a receptoron) the cradle portion 4, e.g., below a bottom 54 of the alarm deviceportion 22, and into an indentation such as an opening 96 to be lockableand unlockable to relock.

Also intermediate the top 52 and a bottom 54 is at least some circuitrythat can, but need not, comprise circuitry on a printed circuit board(PCB) 104, e.g., a PCB having elements on both sides. The circuitrycomprising the PCB 104 used in the armed state can be powered by abattery 103, e.g., a replaceable battery, or other power means in otherembodiments. For example, the battery 103 can be a 1632 battery. If sodesired, the battery 103 can be the same type as the battery used inremote control 24. Springs 120 and 121 can communicate electricity frombattery 103 to the circuitry of PCB 104. Battery door 86 can be securedto the bottom 54 by such as a self-tapping screw 88, as mentioned above.Battery 103 can communicate with a diode (see FIG. 10 ) to sturdy thevoltage from battery 103 in the circuitry.

Upon the PCB 104 can be a microswitch 106, operable by a spring-loadedplunger to have an extended position and a retracted position. Theextended position can reach farther outwards from printed circuit board104 than in the retracted position, and when armed, the PCB 104 canrespond to a change in the extended position as a breach of the armedstate. Thus, for example, if portions 4 and 22 are separated while thedevice 3 is armed, microswitch 106 will trigger an alarm, discussedbelow. Thusly, a breach can recognized during the armed condition from aposition of a switch (e.g., microswitch 106) located to detectseparation of the alarm device portion 22 and the cradle portion 4 (andin some cases, from object 2).

In some embodiments, only two switches are needed. A plastic tab 107 onthe battery 103 can be pulled through a slight opening between thebattery compartment door 86 and the top 52 (or removed otherwise) toinitially turn the alarm device portion 10 ON. The remote control 24 canbe used to place the alarm device portion 10 in a STANDBY or ON (armed)OFF (not armed) condition. Though again, some embodiments can leave thealarm device portion ON or in STANDBY mode and not utilize an OFF mode.Therefore, some embodiments need have only two switches in the securitydevice system, that being represented by the microswitch 106 and thebroadcast receiver switch 108, e.g., controllable by the remote control24. But if so desired (not shown in FIG. 8 ) there can be an RF antennaand RF receiver cooperating with the circuitry.

Microswitch 106 can be used, in some embodiments, to detect forseparation of the cradle portion 4 and the alarm portion 22, and inother embodiments such as where the alarm device portion 22 is adaptedas a solo functioning alarm device, the microswitch 106 can detect forseparation of the alarm device portion 22 from object 2, with theaforesaid magnetic lock pin 90 retracted and not engaged with anotherportion.

As previously mentioned, there can be the broadcast receiver switch 108(e.g., an infrared receiver, signal collector, or receiver operable toreceive whatever broadcast signal is emitted by remote control 24, toturn the circuitry to an ON and/or OFF and/or a STANDBY mode. Remotecontrol 24 can, for a teaching example, broadcast an infrared code towhich the receiver/switch 108 receptive for controlling its switching.If so desired, the circuitry of PCB 104 can use an indicator light 110(e.g., an LED) that can display illumination via the light guide 74. Ifso desired, light 110 can illuminate periodically, when the power is ONor to communicate messages as discussed below.

Also on the PCB 104 is an inductance device 112. Such devices arecommonly available and sometimes known as an “audio push switchadapter.” An audio push switch adapter has two different-diameter coppercoils and a magnetic bar/ferrite rod 114. These cooperate so that when acontrol chip 116 (discussed below) sends out a small, pulsing signal,the inductance device 112 transfers the small signal from the controlchip 116 into a large signal which drives an alarm 118, e.g., a buzzerwafer, also known as a piezoelectric wafer (e.g., 20 mm), which thenproduces an alarm sound. Other alarms can be used, e.g., a bell, light,broadcast, indicator, etc. Springs 120 and 121 enhance vibration ofalarm 118, while spring 121 and spring 120 connect springably to thebattery 103.

The circuitry of PCB 104 can include the aforesaid control chip 116,which can be a small IC control chip. Chip logic can be hard wired orimplemented with a CPU (e.g., for a computer) and programmable logic ora combination thereof. The chip 116 can be a HS173NS08-J (available fromShenzhen Bofutong Technology Co., ltd.) or the like. Program logic can,but need not, be such as in FIG. 9 .

Returning to FIG. 8 , PCB 104 also has a capacitance device 124, forelectricity storage. Conductive probes 126, such as copper thimbles,extend (sometimes springably) from PCB 104. The conductive probes 126also extend the electrical reach of the PCB 104 through the bottom 54 toencounter the conductors 8 on cradle portion 4, or in some embodiments,to the stratum portion 10. In some embodiments, conductive probes 126can extend through slots 98. There can be, for example, two or four ormore sets of probes 126. While stratum portion 10 can be secured tocradle portion 4 as further discussed below, in other embodiments, e.g.,where the stratum portion 10 is painted or printed on object 2, theconductive probes 126 can extend through the cradle portion 4 and theadhesive pad 102. In other cases, the stratum portion 10 can beconfigured for location intermediate the adhesive pad 102 and the cradleportion 4.

Consider now FIG. 7 , an example of the underside of alarm portion 10.There can be at least one portal 130 per conductive probe 126, locatedfor electrical conductive communication to conductors 8, in thisteaching example. Opening 132 allows magnetic pin 90 to extend throughbottom 54. Another opening 134 can be provided for the extension ofmicroswitch 106 through bottom 54.

Paddles 136 are partially opened in bottom 54, configured like divingboards. Paddles 136 are partially opened in bottom 54 springably biascompression stalks 138. This is one manner of compressing stratumportion 10 toward conductors 8 in the mated condition. In someembodiments, cradle portion 4 can have receptors for the stalks 138,thereby securing (e.g., interlocking or locking—depending on theembodiment) the alarm device portion 22 and the cradle portion 4 and thestratum portion(s) 10. Accordingly, PCB 104 circuitry can extend alongone of the probes 126 to one of conductors 8 exposed to the conductivestripe 18 that is compressed (and in some embodiments, interlockedand/or locked) with cradle portion 4. The circuitry then continuesthrough the stratum portion 18 to another of the conductors 8 incompressed (or in some embodiments also interlocked and/or locked)together. The circuitry then continues up another of the probes 126 andback to the PCB 104. Because stratum portion 10 can have an insulatingface opposite object 2, more than one stratum portion 10 can overlap, asillustrated in the configuration of FIG. 1G without electrical shorting.The embodiments in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 can use two of conductors 8 and oneset of two probes 126, whereas embodiments as in FIG. 1G can use four ofconductors 8 and two sets of probes arms 126.

A number of configurations are possible for surface mounting cradleportion 4, with or without adhesive pad 102 that can be adhered tocradle portion 2. Adhesive sticker 124 can have a tabbed cover that isremoved to expose an adhesive face which can be employed to adhere thesecond portion a surface. A central opening in the sticker 124 allowspin 122 to reach the surface to which the adhesive is attached.

Alternatively, or in addition, one or more openings can be providedthrough cradle portion 4 to more fixedly attach the cradle portion 4than by just relying only on adhesive means. Thus, another configurationfor surface mounting cradle portion 4 includes at least one screw,herein illustrated as two tapping screws 126. Tapping screws 126 arelocatable into holes 128 which have a decreased diameter at 130 adjacentbottom cover 108 to allow each head tapping screws 126 to bind cradleportion 4 to a surface.

Turn now to FIG. 9 for a teaching of one of the many ways to employlogic, e.g., in chip 116, to involve the alarm device portion 22, thecradle portion 4, and the stratum portion 10 in the armed and not-armedstates. Commence with Start 140, for example, by removing a batteryprotective tab 107 from battery 103 to expose one of the poles of thebattery 103 to the circuitry. Otherwise, remote control 24 can beemployed to engage the armed state of the alarm device portion 10, atStart 140. A test at Tag On 142 detects for the presence of cradleportion 4. A test at Have Tape 144 detects for the presence of a stratumportion 10. If there is a stratum portion 10 detected at Have Tape 144,test in Tape Quantities 146 detects for the quantity of stratum portions10. If only one stratum portion 10 is detected at Tape Quantities 146,there can be a recognition of there being only one stratum portion 10 atTape One Recognition 148, e.g., by issuing a singular alarm burst viaalarm 118. Alternatively, or additionally, there can be a burst at light110. The combination of audio and visual signals is particularlyappropriate for informing those with one of an acoustic or visualdisability.

If only two stratum portions 10 are detected at Tape Quantities 146,there can be a recognition of there being only two stratum portions 10at Tape Two Recognition 150, e.g., by issuing a two alarm bursts viaalarm 118 (etc., for more stratum portions 10), and/or illuminationbursts via light 110. If no stratum portion 10 is detected in Have Tape144, or if one or more tapes are detected, as in Tape One Recognition148 and Tape Two Recognition 150, a test Switch On 152 detects whetherthe microswitch 106 is ON. If microswitch 106 is detected at Switch On152 as ON, there can be a recognition at Switch Recognition 154, e.g.,by issuing a series of alarm bursts via alarm 118, and/or illuminationsvia light 110. However, if the microswitch 106 is not ON, then do notengage the armed state unless Press Switch 153.

A test at Disruption 158 detects for a disruption in an electric signalcommunicated along the portion(s) involved in the armed state at TagArmed 156. Disruption 158 can be a test for whether one or more ofstratum portion 10 is broken or altered (e.g., surge in resistance orconductivity). If not, or if there is no stratum portion 10, Switch Off160 tests whether the microswitch 106 is triggered, e.g., themicroswitch 106 is extended. If microswitch 106 is not triggered, thenregular working condition is maintained at Regular Working 162, withrespect to whatever of the portion(s) are participating in the armedstate. If the signal in one or more of stratum portion 10 is broken oraltered (e.g., surge in resistance or conductivity), as determined atDisruption 158, or if the microswitch 106 is triggered as determined atSwitch Off 160, then the Alarm 164 triggers the alarm 118 and/or thelight 110 as a breach of the armed state. Application of remote control24 changes to the not-armed state in Tag Off 168. This allowsdisassembly of the portions without triggering the alarm 118, etc. AtEnd 170, there can be an END, such as a SUSPEND MODE or OFF. Dependingon the context, negative logic, i.e., testing for ON instead of OFF,power rather than no power, etc., can also be employed, and analog,digital, or a combination thereof are suitable for implementationsconsistent with the teachings herein. In some embodiments, the alarmdevice will engage the armed state with any of a strata portion 10 (orportions 10) and the cradle portion 4, or in solo-functioning alarmdevice portion 10 embodiments, engage the armed state with none of thestrata portion 10 and the cradle portion 4. Thus, different logic can beemployed for different embodiments.

Turn now to an illustrative circuit diagram in FIG. 10 , which again isa teaching example as other circuitry and thus diagrams can beimplemented for the embodiment of interest. Attention is respectfullydrawn to the location of probes 126, receiver 108, inductance 112,buzzer 118, and light 110. While discussions herein mention resistance,conductivity can of course be used (i.e., resistance is the reciprocalof conductivity).

In operation, there can be a process of detecting, by alarm devicesystem, a change from the armed state to the unarmed state. Change suchas a change in resistance, a short circuit, a surge, etc., are types ofchanges in state that can be detected. The process can also includemaking one or more of the portions, and products produced thereby, aswell as assembling the portions into the security device system.

With the foregoing teaching illustrations in mind, embodiments mayinclude: any of a cradle portion 4, an alarm device portion 22, and astratum portion 10, wherein, at least two of the cradle portion 4, thealarm device portion 22, and the stratum portion 10 are configured for acombined state and a separated state. In other embodiments, at leastthree are so configured. In yet other embodiments of these, there can bemore than one of the stratum portions 10 for the combined and separatedstates. Any of these embodiments can include a solo-functioning alarmdevice portion 22 (i.e., one that does not involve the other portions(s)in the armed and not-armed states), or alarm device portion 22 that doesinvolve one or more other portions(s) in the armed and not-armed states.Various combinations of the portions can be in the combined states ofmated, interlocked, and/or locked conditions.

Consider now various examples, with group A directed to a solofunctioning alarm portion 22, and group B directed to a non-solofunctioning alarm portion 22, recognizing that the alarm portion mayprovide an option (e.g., by switch or logic intelligence (FIG. 9 )) ofincorporating portions other than the alarm device portion 22 in thearmed and not-armed states.

A. Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 22 Example A1: Solo FunctioningAlarm Device Portion 22 Configured for at Least One Other Portion of theSecurity Device System

Illustratively consider a first portion generally characterized as analarm device portion 22. The first portion is configured for operabilityin the separated state as an alarm device, with armed and not-armedstates, devoid of any of the other portions. For example, the alarmdevice portion 22 is operable to detect a breach of the armed state bysuch as: a switch microswitch 106 in circuitry to detect whether thealarm device portion 22 is separated from a surface or object 2; and/ora detector (receiver 108) in the circuitry to detect the application ofan unauthorized disarming device, i.e., a broadcast that is not fromremote control 24; and/or an RF tag within the alarm device to triggeran alarm. Unlike a conventional alarm device, though, the first portion(e.g., solo functioning alarm device portion 22) is uniquely configuredto be in the combined state with at least one other portion,collectively forming a security device system.

Example A2: Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 22 and Cradle Portion4

The solo functioning alarm device portion 22 as in Example 1 can, butneed not, be in the combined state with a second portion, e.g., thecradle portion 4. The illustrative cradle portion 4 for the alarm deviceportion 22 can be structured to attach or adhere the alarm deviceportion 22 to an object 2 being protected from consumer or employeetheft. The cradle portion 4 can have an opening such as 134 for theabove-mentioned switch 106 to extend through the cradle portion 4 todetect for separation from the object 2, etc. Alternatively, oradditionally, the alarm device portion 22 can have a switch, or use themicroswitch 106 located to intersect with an area of the cradle portion4 so that the alarm device portion 22 can detect, during the armedstate, for separation of the alarm device portion 22 from the cradleportion 4. Thus, in these examples, the first portion and the secondportion are mutually structured to form the combined state, though thecradle portion 4 does not in this embodiment participate in the armedand not-armed states that are provided solely by the alarm deviceportion 22.

Example A3: Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 22 and Stratum Portion10

The solo functioning alarm device portion 22 as illustrated above can bein the combined state with a third portion but without the secondportion, e.g., with a stratum portion 10 but not with the cradle portion4. For example, the solo functioning alarm device portion 22 can besecured to the object 2 in a combined state with the stratum portion 10.The first portion and the third portion are mutually structured to formthe combined state. For example, the stratum portion 10 can have aparticular dimension or characteristic, and the alarm portion 22 can bestructured to accommodate that particular dimension or characteristic,yet without blocking the microswitch 106. In this case, the firstportion and the third portion have a mutual structuring—enabling acombination of the third portion with the first portion that solelyprovides the armed and not-armed states.

Example A4: Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 22 and Stratum Portion10 and Another Stratum Portion 10

This teaching example, is much like Example 3, the mutual configuringfor the combined states reflects additional design constraints wheremore portions are mutually accommodated. So, in our teaching example,there is more constrained space for the stratum portion 10, e.g., tapes,to intersect without blocking the microswitch 106 that extends from thealarm device portion 22 to the object 2. In this case, the first portionand at least one of the third portion and the fourth portion have amutual structuring, enabling a combination of these portions, thoughneither the third portion nor the fourth portion participate in thearmed and not-armed states afforded by the solo functioning alarm deviceportion 22.

Example A5: Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 22 and Cradle Portion4 and Stratum Portion 10

The above-mentioned solo functioning alarm device portion 22 can be inthe combined state with at least one or both of the second portion(e.g., cradle) and a third portion (e.g., tape). For example, the solofunctioning alarm device portion 22 can have a combined state with thecradle portion 4 as discussed above and with the stratum portion 10(e.g., tape) as discussed above. Illustratively, the object 2 can besecured by the stratum portion 10 that is in the combined state with thecradle portion 4, and the cradle portion 4 is, in turn, in the combinedstate with the alarm device portion 22. Yet again the stratum portion 10is structured of a particular dimension or characteristic, and thecradle portion 4 is structured to accommodate the stratum portion 10without blocking the microswitch 106 that is located on the alarm deviceportion 22 to cooperate with the cradle portion 4 and the stratumportion 10 (e.g., tape). In some but not all cases, the alarm deviceportion 22 can have a switch to detect for separation from the cradleportion 4, the stratum portion 10, or both. The first portion, thesecond portion, and the third portion have a mutual structuring—enablinga combination of the second portion and the third portion, with thefirst portion providing the armed and not-armed states, though thesecond portion and the third portion do not participate in the armed andnot-armed states.

Example A6: Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 22 and Cradle Portion4 and Stratum Portion 10 and Another Stratum Portion 10

This Example 6, much like Example 5, can differ by adding the fourthportion as having a combined state. Thus, if a fourth portion anotherstratum portion 10 (e.g., another tape) is in a combined state with thealarm device portion 22, there is comparatively less space for thestratum portions 10 (e.g., tapes) to intersect and not interfere withthe microswitch 106 extending though the cradle portion 4. And forembodiments with one or more switches corresponding to one or more ofthe stratum portions 10, there is more constrained space as well. Thesecond, third, and fourth portions do not participate in the armed andnot-armed states that are afforded by the first portion, at least someof the portions are nonetheless mutually structured for the combinedstate.

Example A7: Cradle Portion 4 and Stratum Portion 10

Some objects are not given to receiving an alarm device portion 22, suchas a spherical object is not given to receiving conventional spider wrapas there is no planar surface for the conventional spider wrap toengage. A cradle portion 4 and a stratum portion 10 (e.g.,tape(s)—second and third portions) have utility in adapting the object 2for connection of the alarm device portion 22. In this example, none ofthe portions 4 and 10 provide the armed and not-armed states, but theportions 4 and 10 are mutually structured to be in the combined state,for example by accommodating a dimension and/or characteristic or thestratum portion 10, as discussed above, and at least one of the portionsis mutually structured to accommodate the alarm device portion 22.

Example A8: Cradle Portion 4 and Stratum Portion 10 and Stratum Portion10

This Example 8 is much like Example 7 above, except that the second,third, and fourth portions have the combined state. In this example,none of these portions (cradle portion 4 and more than one stratumportion 10) provide the armed and not-armed states, but these portionsare mutually structured to be in the combined state as discussed above,and at least one of the portions is mutually structured to accommodatethe alarm device portion 22.

Example A9: Cradle Portion 4

The cradle portion 4 can be mutually configured for the combined statewith one or more portions, yet have independent utility in the separatedstate. For example, the cradle portion 4 can be structured to adapt theobject 2 for connection to an alarm device portion 22 and/or connectionto one or more of the stratum portions 10 (e.g., tapes). Illustratively,there can be an adhesive on the cradle, such as adhesive pad 102, foradherence to the object 2 and mutually structured adherence with thealarm device portion 22. Again, the cradle portion 4 can have an openingsuch as 134 or other accommodation for the alarm device portion 22'smicroswitch 106 to detect, in the alarm state, for separation from theobject 2. The cradle portion 4 can also be configured for a lock pin 90.

Example A10: Stratum Portion 10

The stratum portion 10 (e.g., tape or third portion) can be acombinatiatively structured tape (third portion) to have utility in theseparate state, e.g., to wrap object 2 closed, adapt the object 2 forconnection to the cradle portion 4, adapt the object 2 for connection tothe alarm device portion 22, etc. This stratum portion 10 (e.g., tape),unlike conventional tape, can be mutually configured for the combinedstate (e.g., special dimension or characteristic, such as composition)with one or more portions. Note that another combinatiatively structuredstratum portions 10 (e.g., tape or fourth portion), separately or incombination with the third portion can have this same utility, thoughwhen these stratum portions 10 (e.g., tapes) are in the combined statewith respect to each other, the wrapping can, for example, be indifferent directions—which can present special challenges, such as wherea combination of electrical conductivity and insulation must be affordedby the respective tapes.

B. Non-Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 10

In this group of embodiments, more than one portion 4, 10, and 22,participates in the armed and not armed states. This group is much likeGroup A, except that one or more of the portions 4 and 10 areincorporated into the circuitry of the alarm device portion 22.

Example B1: Specially Configured Non-Solo Functioning Alarm DevicePortion 10

As an alternative to A. Solo functioning alarm device, the alarm deviceportion 22 need not be a solo functioning alarm device, i.e., in thisgroup of embodiments, the alarm device portion 22 is mutually structuredwith at least one other portion so that the at least one other portionparticipates in the armed and not-armed states. Similarly, any of theportions 4 and 10 can be in the separate or combined states, yet havemutual configuration to enable the desired, multiportion participationin the armed and not-armed states with other portions, as may bedesired.

Example B2: Non-Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 10 and CradlePortion 4

The non-solo functioning alarm device portion 22 as in Example B1 can,but need not, be in the combined state with a second portion, e.g., thecradle portion 4. The illustrative cradle portion 4 can be incorporatedinto circuitry with the alarm device portion 22, such that a change inthe electrical signal in the circuitry triggers the alarm 118. Alarmdevice portion 22 can extend probes 126 to electrically communicate withcradle portion 4, e.g., at conductors 8. Likewise, in the mutualconfiguration, the cradle portion 4 can attach or adhere the alarmdevice portion 22 to an object 2 being protected. The cradle portion 4can have an opening 134 for the above-mentioned microswitch 106 toextend through the cradle portion 4 to detect for separation from theobject 2, etc. Alternatively or additionally, if so desired, the alarmdevice portion 22 can have a switch located to intersect with an area ofthe cradle portion 4 so that the alarm device portion 22 can detect,during the armed state, for separation of the alarm device portion 22from the cradle portion 4. Cradle portion 4 can have a receptor for lockpin 90, such as opening 96. Thus, in these examples, the first portionand the second portion are mutually structured to form the combinedstate, such that both the cradle portion 4 and the alarm device portion22 participate in the armed and not-armed states.

Example B3: Non-Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 10 and StratumPortion 10

The non-solo functioning alarm device portion 22 as illustrated abovecan be in the combined state with a third portion (stratum portion 10)but without the second portion, e.g., with a tape with conductive stripe18 but not with a cradle. For example, the non-solo functioning alarmdevice can be secured to the object 2 in a combined state with theconductive stripe 18 in electrical probes 126. Thusly, for example, thefirst portion and the third portion are mutually structured to form thecombined state. For example, the tape and/or conductive stripe 18 canhave a particular dimension or characteristic, and the alarm portion 22can be structured to accommodate that particular dimension orcharacteristic, yet without blocking the microswitch 106. In this case,the first portion and the third portion have a mutualstructuring—enabling a combination of the third portion with the firstportion that collectively provide the armed and not-armed states.

Example B4: Non-Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 10 and StratumPortion 10 and Another Stratum Portion 10

This teaching example, is much like Example B3, the mutual configuringfor the combined states reflects additional design constraints wheremore portions are mutually accommodated. Again, there is moreconstrained space for the stratum portions 10 to intersect withoutblocking the microswitch 106 that extends from the alarm device portion22 to the object 2 being protected. Electrical communication between thealarm device portion 22 and the conductive stripes 18 of the stratumportions 10 involve more mutual structuring. In this case, the firstportion and the third portion and the fourth portion have a mutualstructuring, enabling a combination of these portions, with all of theseportions participating in the armed and not-armed states.

Example B5: Non-Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 10 and CradlePortion 4 and Stratum Portion 10

The above-mentioned non-solo functioning alarm device portion 22 can bein the combined state with at least one or both of the second portion(e.g., cradle portion 4) and a third portion (e.g., stratum portion 10,e.g., a tape with conductive stripe 18). For example, the non-solofunctioning alarm device portion 22 can have a combined state with thecradle portion 4 as discussed above and with the conductive stripe 18 asdiscussed above. Illustratively, the object 2 can be secured by thestratum portion 10 (e.g., tape) that is in the combined state with thecradle portion 4, and the cradle portion 4 is, in turn, in the combinedstate with the alarm device portion 22. Yet again the tape and/orconductive stripe 18 is structured of a particular dimension orcharacteristic, and the cradle portion 4 is structured to accommodatethe stratum portion 10 without blocking the microswitch 106 that isspecially located on the alarm device portion 22 to cooperate with thecradle portion 4 and the stratum portion 4. In some but not all cases,the alarm device portion 22 can have a switch to detect for separationfrom the cradle portion 4. The first portion, the second portion, andthe third portion have a mutual structuring—enabling a combination ofthe second portion and the third portion with the first portion allparticipating in the armed and not-armed states.

Example B6: Non-Solo Functioning Alarm Device Portion 10 and CradlePortion 4 and Stratum Portion 10 and Stratum Portion 10

Example B6, much like Example B5, can differ by adding the fourthportion as having a combined state. Thus, if a fourth portion (e.g.,another stratum portion 10, such as another tape) is in a combined statewith the alarm device portion 22, there is comparatively less space forthe tapes to intersect and not interfere with the microswitch 106extending though the cradle portion 4. And for embodiments with one ormore switches/probe 126 sets corresponding to one or more of the tapes,there is more constrained space as well. The second, third, and fourthportions all participate in the armed and not—armed states with thefirst portion—all in this case mutually structured for the combinedstate.

Example B7: Cradle Portion 4 and Stratum Portion 10

Again as above, certain objects are not given to receiving an alarmdevice, such as a spherical object is not given to receiving spider wrapas there is no planar surface for the spider wrap to engage. In such acase, a cradle portion 4 and a tape embodiment of the third portion(stratum portion 10) have utility in adapting the object 2 forconnection of the alarm device portion 22. In this example, none of theportions provide the armed and not-armed states, but the portions aremutually structured to be in the combined state as discussed above, andthese portions is mutually structured to accommodate the alarm deviceportion 22 and participate in the armed and not armed states.

Example B8: Cradle Portion 4 and Tape and Stratum Portion 10

Example B8 is much like Example B7, except that the second, third, andfourth portions have the combined state and in that combined state areadapted to participate in the armed and not armed states when in thecombined state with alarm device portion 22. In this example, none ofthe portions provide the armed and not-armed states, but the portionsare nonetheless mutually structured to be in the combined state asdiscussed above, and at least one of the portions is mutually structuredto accommodate the alarm device portion 22.

Example B9: Cradle Portion 4

The cradle portion 4 can be mutually configured for the combined statewith one or more portions, yet have independent utility in the separatedstate. For example, the cradle portion 4 can be, as above, structured toadapt a package or object 2 for connection to an alarm portion 22 and/orconnection to one or more of the stratum portions 4. Illustratively,there can be an adhesive on the cradle portion 4 for adherence to theobject 2 and mutually structured adherence with the alarm device portion22 and/or cradle portion 4. Again, the cradle portion 4 can have anopening 134 or other accommodation for the alarm device portion 22'smicroswitch 106 to detect, in the alarm state, for separation from aprotected object.

Example B10: Stratum Portion 10

The stratum portion 10 (third portion) can be structured to combine,e.g., in a tape embodiment, or to have utility in the separate state,e.g., to wrap a package closed, adapt an object 2 for connection to thecradle portion 4, adapt the object 2 for connection to the alarm portion22, etc. This tape, unlike conventional tape, can be mutually configuredfor the combined state (e.g., special dimension or characteristic, suchas composition) with one or more portions of the security device system.Note that another combinatiatively structured stratum portion 10 (fourthportion) e.g., tape embodiment, separately or in combination with theaforesaid third portion can have this same utility, though when thetapes are in the combined state with respect to each other, the wrappingcan, for example, be in different directions—which can present specialchallenges, such as where a combination of electrical conductivity andinsulation must be afforded by the respective tapes.

C. Alarm Device Portion 10 that Provides an Option for Separate orCombined States

In variations of the above-provided examples, the alarm device portion22 can provide an option to combine or not combine with another portionthat participates in the armed and not-armed states, i.e., to optionallyoperate as a solo functioning alarm device portion 22 or as a non-solofunctioning alarm device portion 10. For example, the option can beprovided by alarm device portion 22 employing one or more switches toselectively enable a combined state in which one or more other portionsparticipates in the armed and not armed states. As another example, thealarm device portion 22 can itself detect for one or more other portions(as illustrated in FIG. 9 ). If another portion is detected in thecombined state, then the portions participate in the armed and not armedstates; and if another portion is not detected, then the alarm deviceoperates as a solo functioning alarm device.

D. Mixed Variations

In variations of the above-provided examples, the portions can be in thecombined state and have some but not all of the portions in the combinedstate participate in the armed and not-armed states, and mutuallyconfigured accordingly. And in the examples A, B, and C above, thecombined state can be in mated, interlocked, and/or lockedconditions—depending on the embodiment preferred in one situation oranother.

In sum, with respect to the description herein, numerous specificdetails are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, toprovide a thorough teaching and understanding of embodiments andunderlying principles. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize,however, that an embodiment can be practiced without one or more of thespecific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods,components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specificallyshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments.

Similarly, embodiments can be implemented in many forms, and based onthe disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement anequivalent. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”,“an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment and not necessarily inall embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment may becombined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. Itis to be understood that other variations and modifications of theembodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light ofthe teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit andscope of the present invention.

It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted inthe drawings/Figures can also be implemented in a more separated orintegrated manner, or even removed or rendered as otherwise operable incertain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application.

Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures should beconsidered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwisespecifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein isgenerally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated.Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as beingnoted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability toseparate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,“a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein andthroughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments, including what isdescribed in the Abstract and the Summary, are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosedherein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the inventionare described herein for teaching-by-illustration purposes only, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made in lightof the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments and are to beincluded within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure hereinprovided.

1-39. (canceled)
 40. A method of protecting an object, the methodincluding: protecting an object by installing a stratum and circuitry,the installing of the stratum including applying some of the stratum tothe object, overlapping some of the stratum with itself, and theinstalling of the circuitry including installing circuitry configured todetect whether there is an electrical change in the circuitry andconfigured to have an armed state and a not-armed state, such that whenin the armed state, the circuitry triggers an alarm upon a detection ofthe electrical change, the circuitry including a switch that, whentriggered, disrupts electricity in the circuitry during the armed state,the switch having an end that is more proximate the object than some ofthe stratum and located so as to be triggered by separation of the endof the switch from the object.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein theprotecting includes joining an alarm portion having some of thecircuitry with a cradle portion having some of the circuitry so that theswitch is triggered by separation of the alarm portion and the cradleportion.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the joining includesscrewing the alarm portion into the cradle portion.
 43. The method ofclaim 41, wherein the joining blocks access to a replaceable batterycompartment.
 44. The method of claim 40, wherein the stratum comprises afirst stratum and the protecting includes applying some of a secondstratum to the object, overlapping some of the second stratum withitself and some of the first stratum.
 45. A method including: installinga stratum, that overlaps some of itself, in combination with circuitryconfigured to detect whether there is an electrical change in thecircuitry and configured to have an armed state and a not-armed state,such that when in the armed state, the circuitry triggers an alarm upona detection of the electrical change, the circuitry including a switchthat, when triggered, disrupts electricity in the circuitry during thearmed state, the switch having an end that, when the circuitry and thestratum are installed to protect an object, is more proximate the objectthan at least some of the stratum so as to be triggered by separation ofthe end of the switch from the object.
 46. The method of claim 45,wherein the installing includes joining an alarm portion having some ofthe circuitry with a cradle portion having some of the circuitry so thatthe switch is triggered by separation of the alarm portion and thecradle portion.
 47. An apparatus including: circuitry configured todetect whether there is an electrical change in the circuitry andconfigured to have an armed state and a not-armed state, such that whenin the armed state, the circuitry triggers an alarm upon a detection ofthe electrical change; and a stratum, having an overlap of some ofitself, in combination with the circuitry; wherein the circuitryincludes a switch that, when triggered, disrupts electricity in thecircuitry during the armed state, the switch having an end that, whenthe circuitry and the stratum are installed to protect an object fromtheft, is more proximate the object than at least some of the stratumand located so as to be triggered by separation of the end of the switchfrom the object.
 48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein some of thecircuitry is included in an alarm portion and some of the circuitry isin a cradle portion, and the overlap is intermediate the alarm portionand the cradle portion.
 49. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein: thecircuitry spans an alarm portion and a cradle portion, the switch islocated in the alarm portion, and the switch, when the circuitry and thestratum are installed to protect the object from theft, is triggered byseparation of the alarm portion from the cradle portion.
 50. Theapparatus of claim 47, wherein a spring-loaded plunger includes the endof the switch.
 51. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the circuitryincludes a conductive stripe in the stratum.
 52. The apparatus of claim47, wherein the stratum includes an adhesive tape.
 53. The apparatus ofclaim 47, wherein the stratum comprises thermoplastic.